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sábado, 30 de marzo de 2013

A manned Soyuz spacecraft set a record for traveling to the International Space Station (ISS), arriving six hours after launch instead of the usual two days. Soyuz 34 lifted off from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Friday, March 28 at 4:43 p.m. EDT (08:43 GMT) and docked with the ISS at 10: 28 PM EDT (03:28 GMT). It was able to catch up and match trajectories with the ISS in only four orbits using new techniques previously tested in ISS rendezvouses with Russian unmanned Progress cargo ships...
Continue Reading Soyuz breaks speed record to ISS

miércoles, 27 de marzo de 2013

How the Sukhoi Superjets Are Being Built: These Superjets are the first passenger jet planes that are built after the formation of new Russia and also that is the first passenger plane of SU company which previously built only well known SU military jets. The 33rd airplane … Read more...

Whether you call it a quadcopter, quadrocopter, quadrotor, UAV or (gasp) a drone, DJI’s new GPS-equipped Phantom is certainly a nifty little radio-controlled aircraft. We first heard about the Phantom when it was officially launched this January and since then I've had a chance to try the, uh – let’s call it a quadcopter – out for myself. Here’s a quick look at my experiences with it, and I'll say this right now: the thing was more fun than a barrel full of flying monkeys...
Continue Reading Review: DJI Phantom quadcopter

The U.S. Army is funding Lockheed Martin to develop hardware and software for the Extended Area Protection and Survivability (EAPS) program. Under this program, Lockheed Martin has conducted the first guided test flight of the Miniature Hit-to-Kill (MHTK) interceptor rocket. The MHTK is designed to defeat incoming rocket, artillery, and mortar fire out to ranges of 3 - 4 km (1.9 - 2.5 miles).
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Continue Reading Miniature hit-to-kill rocket interceptor completes flight test

Losing extended operations, or ETOPS, would deal a blow to Boeing and its airline customers by limiting use of the fuel-saving jet, designed to lower costs on long-distance routes that don't require the capacity of the larger Boeing 777. Such a loss could even lead to cancellation of some routes.

"If the FAA approves (only) over-land operations it would be a very damaging blow to the 787 program," said Scott Hamilton, an aviation analyst with Leeham Co in Seattle.

Airbus has installed on the first flight-test A350 XWB (MSN001) its two flight-ready Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines and is also installing the new Honeywell HGT1700 auxiliary power unit (APU) at Airbus' production facilities in Toulouse (France).

The new Trent engines were both received from UTC Aerospace Systems (formerly Goodrich) which had recently prepared the fully integrated powerplants prior to their installation on the aircraft's pylons. Last month the Trent XWB received Engine Type Certification from EASA, confirming that the engine had fulfilled EASA's airworthiness requirements for flight. The Trent XWB has already powered a series of test flights on Airbus' A380 Flying Test Bed (FTB) aircraft since February 2012, demonstrating a high level of maturity.

In parallel to the mounting of the two Trent XWB engines in Toulouse, the A350 XWB is also this week being fitted with its new specially developed APU – the Honeywell HGT1700 which has greater power density and higher efficiency than the previous generation APUs.

With the installation of its engines and also the APU, the A350 XWB MSN001 becomes essentially a 'completed' aircraft. Following the ongoing ground tests, other preparations and also painting in the coming weeks, MSN001 will then be handed over to the Airbus Flight Test team to commence preparations for ground runs and maiden flight in the summer.

Assembling of cockpit, wings and vertical tail unit with the fuselage completed

The Eurofighter IPA 8 (Instrumented Production Aircraft 8) test aircraft has achieved an important production milestone at Cassidian in Manching: with the mounting of the right wing, the connection between the cockpit, vertical tail unit and wings with the fuselage has been completed. "IPA 8 is based on the latest Eurofighter Tranche 3 construction standard and is furthermore equipped with state-of-the-art flight test instrumentation. That makes the aircraft the most advanced Eurofighter in the world," said Berndt Wuensche, Eurofighter Programme Manager at Cassidian.

"IPA 8 can make essential contributions to further developing Eurofighter capabilities in the coming decades – for example, electronic beam scanning for radar, enhanced weapon integration and improvements to mission equipment," he continued.

After assembling the individual major structural components, the aircraft was transferred to the next production station on the final assembly line in Manching, where the test aircraft's hydraulic, defensive aids and electrical systems and its complex special cabling are being installed. The specialists at Cassidian have equipped the modern Eurofighter with more than 110 km of cable in the past few months and additionally installed pressure, flow and electrical data sensors and the test flight instrumentation and computer into the aircraft. Equipped in that way, all the relevant aircraft parameters can be communicated in real time from the air to the flight test engineers on the ground.

All four of the Eurofighter programme's partner nations have test aircraft available, which they are using to test new capabilities on the basis of their development focuses. Cassidian is responsible primarily for the Eurofighter's flight control system, its flight behaviour, radar and fire control systems and infrared sensor.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is the latest and most capable multi-role combat aircraft presently available on the global market. Currently, seven nations (Austria, Germany, Italy, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Spain and the UK) have procured the Eurofighter. To date, the Eurofighter fleet has completed more than 170,000 flight hours world-wide, thus making the aircraft the safest and one of the most reliable combat aircraft in operation. With 719 aircraft under contract, 571 orders and over 355 deliveries, the Eurofighter is currently the largest military procurement programme in Europe and, thanks to its advanced technology, strengthens the European aviation industry's position in international competition. The programme also safeguards more than 100,000 jobs at 400 companies and is managed by Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH on behalf of the Eurofighter partner companies Alenia Aermacchi/Finmeccanica, BAE Systems and Cassidian in Germany and Spain.
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martes, 26 de marzo de 2013

Boeing Conducts Check Flight For Dreamliner Battery System: Certification Flights Planned For Later This Week Boeing on Monday conducted a preliminary test flight in preparation for the recertification of the Dreamliner battery system. A battery fire in January has caused the worldwide fleet of 787s to be grounded for the past several months.

Last week, the United States Air Force’s 2nd Bomb Wing made its first live run with a new Lockheed Martin Sniper pod installed on the wing of a B-52H Stratofortress. Taking off from Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, the practice run introduces new combat abilities that will give the aging bomber better integration with ground forces and laser-guided bombs for precision strikes.
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Continue Reading Aging B-52 bomber gets new Sniper pod upgrade

Malindo Air to operate the Next-Generation 737-900ER with Boeing Sky Interior

Popular single-aisle is the best-selling commercial airliner family in history

SEATTLE, March 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) has delivered the 7,500th 737 to come off the production line to Malaysia-based Malindo Air. Malindo Air is a joint venture by Jakarta, Indonesia-based Lion Air and Malaysia's National Aerospace and Defence Industries. Malindo Air is using the Next-Generation 737-900ER to launch its low-fares service.

Malindo Air's 737-900ER (Extended Range) with the passenger-pleasing Boeing Sky Interior features new modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals, LED lighting that enhances the sense of spaciousness and larger pivoting overhead stowage bins.

The Boeing 737 is the best-selling commercial jetliner of all time with total orders exceeding 10,500 airplanes. Nearly 85 percent of Boeing's backlog of more than 3,100 Next-Generation 737s will be delivered with the Boeing Sky Interior.
Read more...

Vueling, the largest low cost airline in Spain, has taken delivery of its first A320 aircraft equipped with Sharklet fuel saving wing tip devices, becoming the first Spanish carrier to do so. Including this delivery, Vueling's in-service fleet rises to 61 A320 Family aircraft

Sharklets are newly designed wing-tip devices that improve the aircraft's aerodynamics and significantly cut the airline's fuel burn and emissions by four per cent on longer sectors. Sharklets are an option on new-build A320 Family aircraft, and standard on all members of the NEO Family. They offer the flexibility to A320 Family operators of either adding around 100 nautical miles more range or allowing an increased payload capability of up to 450 kilograms.

Not even a year after it claimed the title of the world’s lightest material, aerographite has been knocked off its crown by a new aerogel made from graphene. Created by a research team from China’s Zhejiang University in the Department of Polymer Science and Engineering lab headed by Professor Gao Chao, the ultra-light aerogel has a density lower than that of helium and just twice that of hydrogen...
Continue Reading Graphene aerogel takes world’s lightest material crown

sábado, 23 de marzo de 2013

NASA is taking an enforced holiday of sorts in April as it suspends Mars exploration missions for 17 to 21 days. This isn't due to budget cuts, but rather because Mars will be in conjunction with the Sun during April, which will make direct communications with the probes difficult, if not impossible. ..
Continue Reading Sun will cause pause in Mars exploration in April

Last September, the Gamera II team from the A. James Clark School of Engineering got so close to claiming the Sikorsky Prize of US$250,000 for human-powered helicopter flight that the American Helicopter Society must surely have been preparing to pull the dust covers off the safe and hand over the cash. Gamera II features a huge cross-shaped frame with enormous rotors at each of its four points, which are powered by sustained hand and foot pumping from a pilot at the center. It's a design that's been used by many of those attempting to nab the elusive prize (including AeroVelo's Atlas), but Georgia's Kenneth Huff has a rather more compact vision for success...
Continue Reading Crowdfunding hope for human-powered helicopter project

Avoiding Asteroid Threats Requires Innovation, Commitment And Diligence: House Science, Space, And Technology Committee Reviews Government Efforts To Protect Earth The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee held a hearing Tuesday titled "Threats from Space: A Review of U.S. Government Efforts to Track and Mitigate Asteroids and Meteors." The hearing is the first in a two-part series on what the U.S. is doing to track and monitor Near Earth Objects (NEO) that pose a threat to the planet. It comes one month after an asteroid passed the earth and a meteor exploded over the skies in Russia on the same day.

Bezos Expeditions Recovers Apollo F-1 Engines: ROV Submarines Used To Reclaim Artifacts From Three Miles Underwater When the main boosters for the Apollo Saturn V rockets fell into the Atlantic Ocean in the 1960s and 1970s, it was probably expected that they would never be seen again. The hardware that started men on their journey to the Moon sank in 3 miles of water, where they have lain for more than 40 years.

NEW YORK, March 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) is delighted that Ryanair has announced a commitment today to order 175 Next-Generation 737-800s for the airline's fleet expansion. When finalized, the agreement will be worth $15.6 billion at list prices and will be posted to the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website as a firm order.

"This agreement is an amazing testament to the value that the Next-Generation 737 brings to Ryanair," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President & CEO Ray Conner. "We are pleased that the Next-Generation 737, as the most efficient, most reliable large single-aisle airplane flying today, has been and will continue to be the cornerstone of the Ryanair fleet. Our partnership with this great European low-cost carrier is of the utmost importance to everyone at The Boeing Company and I could not be more proud to see it extended for years to come."

The United States said it was flying training missions of nuclear-capable B-52 bombers over South Korea, in a clear signal to North Korea at a time of escalating military tensions.

The flights — part of annual joint South Korea-US military exercises — should be seen as underscoring US commitment and capacity to defend Seoul against an attack from the North, Pentagon spokesman George Little said.

A little after 5:00am EST this morning, Boeing let the cat out of the bag: Ryanair is set to order 175 Boeing 737-800′s, which is the largest Boeing airplane order in Europe to date. Although an impressive order, the news was surely not breaking, since rumors of the order have been circulating for a while.

Boeing Selects GE As Engine Partner For 777X Studies: Future 777 Models To Enter Market Near End Of The Decade Boeing's development study on improvements to the 777, known as 777X, will include GE as the engine partner on the twin-aisle airplane expected to enter service near the end of the decade. Boeing says the future 777 models will offer increased fuel efficiency and range.

Embraer Signs Jacksonville, FL Airport Lease For A-29 Assembly Facility: Preparation Of The Facility Is Underway In NE Florida Embraer Aircraft Holding, Inc. has signed a 10-year lease on a 40,000-square-foot hangar in which the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft for the U.S. Air Force Light Air Support (LAS) program will be assembled. Preparation of the facility is currently underway. The LAS aircraft are urgently needed to support the successful withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan.

RENTON, Wash., March 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) has rolled out the first Next-Generation 737 built at the new production rate of 38 airplanes a month. Panamanian customer Copa Airlines will take delivery of the 737-800 in early April.

The airplane will now undergo functional, systems and flight testing over the next three weeks before being delivered.

Boeing is in the process of increasing the production rate on its 737 program from 35 to 38 airplanes per month because of market demand for the world's best-selling commercial jetliner. Next year, the 737 production rate will increase to 42 airplanes per month.

EVERETT, Wash., March 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) announced today that a comprehensive set of improvements that will add several layers of additional safety features to the lithium-ion batteries on 787 commercial jetliners are in production and could be ready for initial installation within the next few weeks. New enclosures for 787 batteries also are being built and will be installed in airplanes in the weeks ahead.

These improvements, which continue to undergo extensive certification testing, will allow operators to resume commercial flights with their 787s as soon as testing is complete and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other international regulators grant their final approval.

The improvements include enhanced production and operating processes, improved battery design features and a new battery enclosure.

"As soon as our testing is complete and we obtain regulatory approvals, we will be positioned to help our customers implement these changes and begin the process of getting their 787s back in the air," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. "Passengers can be assured that we have completed a thorough review of the battery system and made numerous improvements that we believe will make it a safer, more reliable battery system." Battery system changes include changes to the battery itself, the battery charging unit and the battery installation.

Earlier this week the FAA approved Boeing's certification plan, which lays out the discrete testing to be done to demonstrate that the battery improvements address the conditions laid out in the Airworthiness Directive that has suspended 787 commercial operations.

Development Team Created Solution

The enhancements to the battery system address causal factors identified by the Boeing technical team as possible causes of battery failure. The technical team's findings also were verified by an independent group of lithium-ion battery experts from a number of industries, universities and national laboratories.

"We've come up with a comprehensive set of solutions that result in a safer battery system," said Mike Sinnett, vice president and chief project engineer, 787 program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We have found a number of ways to improve the battery system and we don't let safety improvements go once they are identified. We incorporate them into our processes and products."

Enhanced Production Controls and Operating Processes

The first layer of improvements is taking place during the manufacture of the batteries in Japan. Boeing teamed with Thales, the provider of the integrated power conversion system, and battery maker GS Yuasa to develop and institute enhanced production standards and tests to further reduce any possibility for variation in the production of the individual cells as well as the overall battery.

"We've all developed a better understanding of the sensitivities of this technology to variations during the manufacturing process," said Sinnett. "And we all feel the need to increase monitoring of this process on an ongoing basis."

Four new or revised tests have been added to screen cell production, which now includes 10 distinct tests. Each cell will go through more rigorous testing in the month following its manufacture including a 14-day test during which readings of discharge rates are being taken every hour. This new procedure started in early February and the first cells through the process are already complete. There are more than a dozen production acceptance tests that must be completed for each battery.

Boeing, Thales and GS Yuasa have also decided to narrow the acceptable level of charge for the battery, both by lowering the highest charge allowed and raising the lower level allowed for discharge. Two pieces of equipment in the battery system – the battery monitoring unit and the charger are being redesigned to the narrower definition. The battery charger will also be adapted to soften the charging cycle to put less stress on the battery during charging.

Improved Battery Design Features

Changes inside the battery will help to reduce the chances of a battery fault developing and help to further isolate any fault that does occur so that it won't cause issues with other parts of the battery.

To better insulate each of the cells in the battery from one another and from the battery box, two kinds of insulation will be added. An electrical insulator is being wrapped around each battery cell to electrically isolate cells from each other and from the battery case, even in the event of a failure. Electrical and thermal insulation installed above, below and between the cells will help keep the heat of the cells from impacting each other.

Wire sleeving and the wiring inside the battery will be upgraded to be more resistant to heat and chafing and new fasteners will attach the metallic bars that connect the eight cells of the battery. These fasteners include a locking mechanism.

Finally, a set of changes is being made to the battery case that contains the battery cells and the battery management unit. Small holes at the bottom will allow moisture to drain away from the battery and larger holes on the sides will allow a failed battery to vent with less impact to other parts of the battery.

New Battery Enclosure

The battery case will sit in a new enclosure made of stainless steel. This enclosure will isolate the battery from the rest of the equipment in the electronic equipment bays. It also will ensure there can be no fire inside the enclosure, thus adding another layer of protection to the battery system. The enclosure features a direct vent to carry battery vapors outside the airplane.

New titanium fixtures are being installed in the electronics equipment bays to ensure the housing is properly supported.

"Our first lines of improvements, the manufacturing tests and operations improvements, significantly reduce the likelihood of a battery failure. The second line of improvements, changes to the battery, helps stop an event and minimize the effect of a failure within the battery if it does occur. And the third line of improvements, the addition of the new enclosure, isolates the battery so that even if all the cells vent, there is no fire in the enclosure and there is no significant impact to the airplane," said Sinnett.

Testing Status

Testing to gain FAA approval of the battery enhancements has already started, with the FAA's permission.

During engineering testing, which occurs prior to certification testing, the team demonstrated that the new housing could safely contain a battery failure that included the failure of all eight cells within the battery. The "ultimate" load is the equivalent of 1.5 times the maximum force ever expected to be encountered during a battery failure. The housing easily withstood this pressure and did not fail until the pressure was more than three times the ultimate load.

Through another test, the team demonstrated that fire cannot occur within the new enclosure. Its design eliminates oxygen, making the containment unit self-inerting. Inerting is a step above fire detection and extinguishing as it prevents a fire from ever occurring. The design also vents all vapors by venting directly outside of the airplane rather than into the equipment bay.

"We put this new design through a rigorous set of tests. We tried to find a way to introduce a fire in the containment but it just wouldn't happen. Even when we introduced a flammable gas in the presence of an ignition source, the absence of oxygen meant there was no fire.

"We drew from the new industry standard, DO311, established by RTCA, to establish our testing plan," said Sinnett. "These standards weren't available when we set the testing plan for the baseline battery and they helped us ensure the new design is robust and safe. We intend to show, during certification, that the 787 battery meets all objectives of DO-311 and only deviates from specific requirements where the 787-unique items are not covered by the standards." RTCA is a not-for-profit organization that serves as a federal advisory committee in establishing guidelines for the aviation industry.

Working towards Resuming Flights

"We are following all of the necessary protocols to get our new design fully approved and properly installed so that we can help our customers start flying as soon as possible. We're simultaneously moving out on an effort to resume deliveries but completing our certification work and getting the delivered fleet flying again is our first priority," said Conner. "Our customers and their passengers have been incredibly patient as we have worked through this process and we thank them very sincerely for their continued support and confidence in the 787.

"The more-electric architecture of the 787 brings real value not just to the airlines but to our industry. By reducing fuel use, we are reducing our environmental footprint. This battery technology is an important part of the more-electric architecture, which is helping us to cut fuel use by more than 10 billion gallons of fuel over the life of this program.

"New technologies require extra attention and hard work, but the benefits are real."

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and EADS have announced the signature of a € 300 million finance contract in support of EADS Group's innovation and R&D programmes. This loan reflects the long-standing quality partnership that has formed between the EIB and EADS over the past ten years. It represents the second tranche of a first agreement signed in August 2011, whereby the EIB already made available € 500 million to EADS. This new finance contract brings the total volume of the EIB support under this agreement to € 800 million.

This is a flagship financing operation for the EIB, one of the first major loans to finance innovation in Europe since the Member States unanimously decided to give the bank of the European Union the means to stimulate the economy by increasing its capital by € 10 billion. This commitment so early in 2013 enables the Bank to step up its support for innovation and projects fostering growth and employment in Europe.

This project is focused on developing innovative products aimed at reducing the impact of aviation on the environment in terms of energy efficiency, pollutant emissions (CO2, nitrogen) and noise. It will serve to develop effective solutions that will have a direct impact on aeronautics design and production, e.g. by improving aircraft aerodynamics and optimising safety and flight control systems.

EIB Vice-President Philippe de Fontaine Vive welcomed the signature: "This first major loan following the EIB's capital increase demonstrates our priority commitment to innovation and R&D in Europe. The Bank aims to help develop a successful and competitive economy by focusing on leading-edge technologies, which hold the key to the future in terms of sustainable economic development. This sector is also a source of employment for young people."

"Innovation and research are at the heart of EADS' mission and essential to guarantee the long-term success of the group. The EIB is one of our privileged finance partners, which has been supporting EADS for several years in developing ever innovative technologies. We very much appreciate this new agreement which demonstrates the solidity of our relationship and our joint will to accompany the sustainable development of air transport", said Harald Wilhelm, Chief Financial Officer of EADS & Airbus.

About EIB

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.

Turkish Airlines, the largest airline in Turkey, has signed a contract for up to 117 A320 Family aircraft (25 A321ceo, 4 A320neo, 53 A321neo and options for 35 additional A321neo aircraft). This order is the largest ever placed by a Turkish carrier. The engine selection will be made at a later date.

"We are delighted with this new order from Turkish Airlines, which takes us above 2,000 NEO orders in a little over two years after launch" said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. "This order confirms that the NEO is the most cost effective and profitable solution for airlines with ambitious growth plans. The 15 per cent fuel saving and the widest cabin in its class give Turkish Airlines a big competitive advantage."

Turkish Airlines already operates 75 A320 Family aircraft. The new order will help Turkish Airlines expand their short to medium-haul routes from their Istanbul hub, while the aircraft's commonality with their existing Airbus fleet will generate additional cost-savings.

Incorporating new engines and large Sharklet wing tip devices, the A320neo Family will deliver fuel savings of 15 percent. In addition, the A320neo Family will provide a double-digit reduction in NOx emissions and reduced engine noise. The A320neo will enter into service from late 2015, followed by the A319neo and A321neo in 2016.

More than 9,150 A320 Family aircraft have been ordered and more than 5,450 delivered to more than 385 customers and operators worldwide reaffirming its position as the world's best-selling single-aisle aircraft Family. The A320neo has over 95 percent airframe commonality making it an easy fit into existing fleets while offering up to 500 nautical miles (950 kilometres) more range or two tonnes more payload at a given range.

Lion Air orders 234 A320 Family aircraft

Indonesia's Lion Air has placed a firm order with Airbus for 234 A320 Family aircraft, comprising 109 A320neo, 65 A321neo and 60 A320ceo. The deal sees the carrier become a new customer for Airbus.

The order was finalised today at a special ceremony at the Elysée Palace in Paris in the presence of President François Hollande of France, who witnessed the signing of documents by Rusdi Kirana, Co-Founder and CEO of Lion Air Group and Fabrice Brégier, President & CEO, Airbus.

In a single class layout the A320 can seat up to 180 passengers, while the A321 can carry up to 236 with the latest cabin configuration options. Lion Air Group will use the aircraft to meet growth requirements on its expanding domestic and regional route network. The carrier will announce engine selections for the aircraft in the near future.

"The fuel-efficient A320 Family will enable Lion Air to achieve the lowest possible operating costs and continue to offer the most competitive fares in the Asian region," said Rusdi Kirana, Co-Founder and CEO of Lion Air Group. "This landmark order will ensure that the Lion Air Group will continue its expansion with one of the most modern and advanced fleets in the world."

"This announcement marks our first order from Lion Air - one of Asia's fastest-growing and most successful low cost carriers," said Fabrice Brégier, President & CEO, Airbus. "The news underscores the market-leading position of the A320 Family, which continues to attract new customers for both the current and new engine options. We very much look forward to welcoming Lion Air as a major new operator of Airbus aircraft."

Offering the lowest operating costs in its class, the A320 Family is the world's best-selling single-aisle product line. To date, some 9,400 aircraft have been ordered and more than 5.400 delivered to over 380 customers and operators worldwide. The A320ceo and A320neo share over 95 percent airframe commonality, enabling seamless operation of the various models in a single fleet. Since taking to the skies in 2000, Jakarta-based Lion Air has become one of Asia's fastest-growing airlines. Today the Group operates an extensive network covering over 70 destinations in Indonesia and South East Asia

domingo, 17 de marzo de 2013

If you want to launch a satellite in the usual way – on top of a rocket – it will typically cost you at least US$50,000,000. Newly-inaugurated aerospace firm Swiss
Space Systems (S3), however, claims that it will be able to put your small satellite into orbit for about 10.6 million bucks. Why so cheap? S3 is planning on flying satellites into space, using an airliner and an unmanned shuttle.
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Continue Reading Swiss company aims to fly satellites into space

Boeing has announced improvements to the lithium-ion batteries for its 787 Dreamliner. A series of modifications to the batteries and their casings were made in response to battery fires in mid-January aboard two 787s in Boston and over Japan that resulted in all 50 of the planes delivered to customers being grounded. According to a company press release, the modifications along with improved testing regimes should prevent a repeat of the incidents.
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Continue Reading Boeing outlines additional safety features for 787 batteries

viernes, 15 de marzo de 2013

Sixth aircraft for Malaysia Airlines handed over in Toulouse

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and Airbus together marked a major achievement, with the hand-over of the 100th A380 to MAS at Airbus' Henri Ziegler Delivery Centre in Toulouse, France. The aircraft is the sixth A380 for MAS.

"We are delighted that our 100th A380 delivery is to Malaysia Airlines as this gives us an early glimpse into the future shape of aviation," said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and CEO. "We see a growing demand from dynamic, competitive airlines such as MAS for larger aircraft, with many markets and routes, and in particular in the fast developing Asia-Pacific region, being ideally suited to A380s."

Now in its sixth year of commercial service, the A380 is flying with nine world class airlines. To date, the worldwide fleet has carried some 36 million passengers in 100,000 flights. Previous generation Very Large Aircraft (VLA 400 seats and above) would have required 140,000 flights. This reduction in flights brings essential relief to airport-congestion and the environment. The corresponding saving of 5.7 million tonnes of CO2, demonstrates the A380 generates more revenue whilst minimising emissions and noise.

The A380 fleet performs over 140 flights per day and carries over one and a half million people each month. Passengers can hop on board one of the A380s which are either taking off or landing every six minutes at one of the 32 international airports where it operates to date. On top of these, more than 50 other airports are getting prepared to accommodate the A380 and answer the airlines' need for more A380 destinations.

Over the next 20 years, more than 1,700 VLA such as the A380 will have been delivered. Asia Pacific leads demand (45 percent) for these high capacity aircraft, followed by the Middle East (23 percent) and Europe (19 percent).

Typically seating 525 passengers in three classes, the aircraft is capable of flying 8,500 nautical miles or 15,700 kilometres non-stop, carrying more people at lower cost and with less impact on the environment. The spacious, quiet cabin and smooth ride have made the A380 a firm favourite with passengers, resulting in higher load factors wherever it flies.

Since 2006 the A380 has registered repeat orders by satisfied customers every year, bringing the total order book to date to 262 from 20 customers.

Oldest U.S. Military Flying Unit Celebrates Centennial: First Reconnaissance Squadron Created As The 1st Aero Squadron Of The U.S. Army Signal Corps March 5, 1913 The 1st Reconnaissance Squadron at Beale Air Force Base, CA, celebrated its 100th anniversary March 7-9 as the oldest flying unit in U.S. military aviation. The squadron opened its doors to the base populace and special guests for tours, and two days of historical symposiums were held featuring former SR-71 Black Bird pilots, commanders and history experts. In addition, a plaque was dedicated to the squadron at Heritage Park, and a military dining-out commemorated the event.

miércoles, 13 de marzo de 2013

EVERETT, Wash., March 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) has received approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the company's plan to test and certify improvements to the 787's battery system. Successful completion of each step within the plan will result in the FAA's approval to resume commercial 787 flights.

"Our top priority is the integrity of our products and the safety of the passengers and crews who fly on them," said Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney. "Our team has been working around the clock to understand the issues and develop a solution based on extensive analysis and testing following the events that occurred in January. Today's approval from the FAA is a critical and welcome milestone toward getting the fleet flying again and continuing to deliver on the promise of the 787," he said.

Ray Conner, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said that the company's focus has been on developing a permanent resolution.

"Working with internal and external experts in battery technology, we have proposed a comprehensive set of solutions designed to significantly minimize the potential for battery failure while ensuring that no battery event affects the continued safe operation of the airplane," said Conner.

"Our proposal includes three layers of improvements. First, we've improved design features of the battery to prevent faults from occurring and to isolate any that do. Second, we've enhanced production, operating and testing processes to ensure the highest levels of quality and performance of the battery and its components. Third, in the unlikely event of a battery failure, we've introduced a new enclosure system that will keep any level of battery overheating from affecting the airplane or being noticed by passengers," Conner said.

Design feature improvements for the battery include the addition of new thermal and electrical insulation materials and other changes. The enhanced production and testing processes include more stringent screening of battery cells prior to battery assembly. Operational improvements focus on tightening of the system's voltage range. A key feature of the new enclosure is that it ensures that no fire can develop in the enclosure or in the battery. Additional details of the new design will be provided by Boeing in the days ahead.

Boeing made its certification plan proposal to the FAA in late February. Today the agency agreed that the proposed changes and the detailed test plans address the conditions that resulted in the suspension of 787 operations.

The FAA also granted Boeing permission to begin flight test activities on two airplanes: line number 86, which will conduct tests to demonstrate that the comprehensive set of solutions work as intended in flight and on the ground; and ZA005, which is scheduled to conduct engine improvement tests unrelated to the battery issue. Additional testing may be scheduled as needed.

The certification plan calls for a series of tests that show how the improved battery system will perform in normal and abnormal conditions. The test plans were written based on the FAA's standards as well as applicable guidelines published by the Radio Technical Commission on Aeronautics (RTCA), an advisory committee that provides recommendations on ways to meet regulatory requirements. The RTCA guidelines were not available when the original 787 battery certification plan was developed.

"We have a great deal of confidence in our solution set and the process for certifying it," said Conner. "Before 787s return to commercial service, our customers and their passengers want assurance that the improvements being introduced will make this great airplane even better. That's what this test program will do."

Nano-air vehicles: small eyes in the skies: Floating like a butterfly and able to sting like a bee, DARPA’s request for insect-sized UAVs capable of tracking high-profile targets in densely populated areas finally looks like making some ground.

FAA Approves Boeing 787 Certification Plan: First Step In The Airplane's Return To Flight The FAA has approved the Boeing Commercial Airplane Company's certification plan for the redesigned 787 battery system, after thoroughly reviewing Boeing’s proposed modifications and the company’s plan to demonstrate that the system will meet FAA requirements. The certification plan is the first step in the process to evaluate the 787’s return to flight and requires Boeing to conduct extensive testing and analysis to demonstrate compliance with the applicable safety regulations and special conditions.

Routes Set For British Airways First A380: Expected Entry Into Service Is October 15 British Airways’ has begun selling tickets for flights on its first Airbus A380,which will fly on the “Red Carpet Route” to Los Angeles. The double-decker superjumbo is due to be delivered to British Airways in July. The second A380 route will be to Hong Kong, and customers can book flights now for travel from November 15, 2013.

Boeing is getting closer to bringing a next generation 777 to the market, a senior executive said Monday. Speaking at the ISTAT Americas 2013 conference in Orlando, Boeing Commercial Airplanes VP-marketing Randy Tinseth said there had been "a lot of movement on this airplane in the last couple of months and we are working hard on our business case."

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica Company, today unveiled its “Project Zero” tilt rotor technology demonstrator, giving an insight into what advanced rotorcraft of the future may look like. This, however, is no paper study. The technology demonstrator was designed and built in less than 6 months and has already secretly flown several times in 2011 and 2012, demonstrating AgustaWestland’s advanced rotorcraft technology.

The tilt rotor technology demonstrator is completely electric powered; designed to hover like a helicopter and convert to a fixed wing aircraft in forward flight thanks to its two integrated rotors which can be tilted through more than 90 degrees. The demonstrator performed its first unmanned tethered flight in June 2011 at AgustaWestland’s Cascina Costa facility in Italy and has since performed untethered hovering flights inside a secured area.

Daniele Romiti, AgustaWestland’s CEO, said “The ‘Project Zero’ technology demonstrator program brings together many of the advanced technologies AgustaWestland has been researching in recent years and demonstrates our strong technological base from which we will develop new products to meet the needs of our customers in the future. We strongly believe in the tilt rotor concept as the future of high speed rotorcraft flight as it offers much greater speed and range than compound helicopter technology.”

“This is a wonderful achievement of the AgustaWestland Advanced Concepts Group. A team of passionate and brilliant engineers worked extremely hard in a secure facility to conceive, design, build and test this technology demonstrator in an exceptionally short period of time,” said Dr. James Wang, Vice President of Research and Technology at AgustaWestland. “This group lives to dream, and if it can be dreamed, it can be built. The team did not just build an electric powered airplane or helicopter; that would have been too easy. They went all out and built a twin rotor electric tiltrotor with no transmission or swashplates.”

The demonstrator’s rotors are driven by advanced electric motors powered by rechargeable batteries; future hybrid solutions have also been investigated using a diesel engine to drive a generator. All of the aircraft control systems, flight control and landing gear actuators are electrically powered, removing the need for any hydraulic system.

During cruise, the wings will provide most of the lift, with the blended fuselage and shroud also making a contribution. ‘Project Zero’ has been designed with detachable outer wings for missions that will be performed primarily in helicopter mode. Elevons provide pitch and roll control in forward flight while the V-tail provides longitudinal stability. The aircraft has very low noise and thermal signature in flight and does not require oxygen, thereby permitting it to fly at altitude or in heavily polluted conditions, such as volcanic eruptions. The demonstrator’s rotors when on the ground can be tilted forward and the aircraft pointed into wind to allow the rotors to windmill and recharge the aircraft’s electrical storage device. The electrical drive system also has the advantage that it does away with the complex and heavy transmission system required by conventional rotorcraft.

The ‘Project Zero’ technology demonstrator programme is being entirely funded by AgustaWestland as part of its ongoing research and development activities.

SpaceX founder and all-around renaissance man Elon Musk told the packed crowd at his keynote at the South By Southwest Interactive (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, that he didn't make the trip to the Lone Star state just for them. Musk said he's also in the state capitol to chat with lawmakers about the possibility of opening a new commercial launch facility in the state...
Continue Reading SpaceX considering a new commercial spaceport in Texas

sábado, 9 de marzo de 2013

EADS (ie Eurocopter) Bids for Army's JMR:
EADS North America confirms it has submitted a bid to build one of two advanced-rotorcraft technology demonstrators planned under the the US Army's Joint Multi Role (JMR) program - putting its foot on the first rung of a ladder that could lead to replacing all of the Army's UH-60 Black Hawks and AH-64 Apaches beginning in the mid-2030s.
EADS is not saying what configuration it has proposed for JMR, but the Army's Aviation Applied Technology Directorate has called for a cruise speed of 230kt - 50% faster that a conventional helicopter - so it is likely to be based on Eurocopter's X3 hybrid helicopter technology demonstrator, which has reached 232kt in flight tests.Concept: Eurocopter

jueves, 7 de marzo de 2013

Airbus has been granted US patents for two configurations that tackle one of the fundamental limitations of most aircraft designs – the wing is fixed to the fuselage. Other than variable-geometry, or swing-wing, designs where the objective is to combine the lower high-speed drag of a swept wing with the higher low-speed lift of an unswept wing, there might not seem much advantage to a moveable wing. Not so, it seems.

In the second configuration (US patent 8,336,811 B2, filed in 2010), the wing, tail and engines are combined into something Airbus calls the "aero-propulsive unit", which is mounted above the fuselage and attached via a system of rods.